Chris’ Blog
God’s Own County
I don’t have much in the way of spiritual leanings but walking along the banks of a river in bright sunshine in mid-October with a good friend must count for something. Stopping in a little village for espresso clinched the deal.
Day 7 Back on the Donkey
With Tom returning to London I completed the full stage from Kirby Stephen to Keld. We climbed to a cloudy Nine Standards at the watershed between west and east river flows. We then descended into a sunny and gorgeous Yorkshire valley of the river Swale. This will take us over 2 days to Richmond - bringing Kim, fresh clothes and the fabled rest day.
Day 5 & 6 Lite Duties
Whilst Tom accompanied Dave on these challenging stages I found my own routes. From Patterdale I took the Ullswater Steamer to Pooley Bay and a lovely walk across to Shap along a bridleway. From Shap I took the first stage with Tom and David as far as Orton and then my biggest challenge so far Orton to Kirby Stephen by bus. I can tell you the espresso scene in Northern England is in good shape. Kirby Stephen provided the variety of an excellent Indian restaurant (The Mango Tree).
Day 4 Epic Fail
After 3 days of hill walks I realised that I wasn’t up for a 4th and needed a rest day. Luckily Tom Rainbow had arrived from the ‘Smoke’ with younger legs and an excess prostate. I spent my rest day with espresso and a book - not a surprise to anyone - but still walked 7 miles. It was definitely a disappointment but still slightly surprised I managed the heights I climbed and looking forward 1to continuing my version of the walk
The night before
Arrived in St Bees around 5:30pm and walked down to the beach to see the starting point. The winds from Storm Amy were blowing at 35mph and we met a fellow walker who had abandoned his start today. We decided missing the storm by a day was a good omen and sat down to increment the beer and Cumberland sausage counter. Early start tomorrow and the wind at our backs.
First Steps
It is now exactly two weeks before the walk begins and I am sitting in our apartment in Miami putting ibuprofen gel on my knee. Yesterday a practice walk was abandoned because of rain - basically preparations are going to plan!